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Story of Jesus Test 2
for Dr. Mike Williams's Story of Jesus class, the second test
118
Bible Studies
Undergraduate 1
10/28/2016

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Cards

Term
The story of the healing of a man with an unclean spirit serves what purpose?
Definition
It stresses the authority of Jesus's word, both in his teaching and in his command over spirits.
Term
In what setting/location does the healing of a man with an unclean spirit occur?
Definition
In a synagogue at Capernaum in Galilee
Term
What is a dualistic worldview?
Definition
A worldview that views the spiritual realm as a war between two, usually equal, forces of good and evil (i.e. God and the devil)
Term
How prevalent are demons in the Old Testament?
Definition
They are hardly mentioned
Term
What three worldview options do Christians adopt concerning demons?
Definition
(1) Literal 1st century worldview
Demons are just as active today as they were in Jesus's time, but in other places and in different ways.

(2) Modified 1st century worldview
Demons were active back in Jesus's day, but not so much now (or if they are, they act in different ways).

(3) Interpreted 1st century worldview
What 1st century Jews saw as "demonic activity" we interpret as mental disorder or chemical imbalance.
Term
Why do the crowds wait until sundown to bring the sick to Jesus?
Definition
Because it was the Sabbath. It ended at sundown, and they could not visit Jesus until then.
Term
Why would Jesus not allow demons to speak?
Definition
?? He did not want word to get around too quickly that he was the Messiah, since this would bring about his arrest and execution too soon.
He silenced them to show his authority over demons.
Term
How does Simon respond to the great catch of fish? Why?
Definition
He tells Jesus to go away from him, for he is a sinful man. Now he realizes that Jesus is more than a miracle worker. In the presence of Jesus's holiness, Peter is more aware of his sinfulness (like a light exposing his soul)
Term
Apart from Simon, who responded to Jesus's call to be fishers of men? What language is used to describe how they responded?
Definition
Simon's fellow fishermen - they left everything and followed him.
Term
What is the true "horror" of leprosy in 1st century Israel?
Definition
?? It lead to social isolation, as no one would ever hang around an "unclean" person.
Term
What aspect of Jesus's ministry as described in Isaiah 61 does his healing of the leper demonstrate?
Definition
To "release the captive" (as in he is a captive to leprosy
Term
Why did Jesus command the recently healed leper to show himself to the priest?
Definition
Because the priest will officially declare him clean, allowing him to publicly confirm his healing and return to society.
Term
Why is the healing of the paralytic more than just a healing story?
Definition
?? It is also a controversy story, as Jesus demonstrates his power to forgive, a quality only God has. The religious leaders see this as blasphemy.
Term
What radical claim does Jesus make during the story of the paralytic?
Definition
?? That the paralytic's sins were forgiven. Therefore, he claims to have the power to forgive sins (like God)
Term
Who is the Son of Man?
Definition

?? It is another way of saying "human being," sort of like saying "descendant of the human race."

The term also refers to a powerful being of great authority, mentioned in the Old Testament.

Term
What does the book of Daniel say about the Son of Man? Is he a figure of power or suffering?
Definition
Daniel 7:13-14 describes the Son of Man as a powerful figure with great authority.
Term
What phrase is used to describe Levi's response to Jesus's call?
Definition
He left everything and followed him
Term
What criticism does the banquet draw? (the banquet after Jesus calls Levi) From whom? Why?
Definition
The Pharisees criticize that Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners. They were concerned for purity - they wished only to dine with people of the same rank or moral caliber as themselves.
Term
What does Jesus say in response to the Pharisees' criticism at the banquet after Levi's calling?
Definition
It is only the sick who need a physician
Term
What analogy does Jesus use in response to the complaint of not fasting?
Definition
A wedding feast (now is a time of rejoicing - we can fast later, for who would fast during a wedding feast?)
Term
What is the main point behind the parable of the new patch on an old garment and new wine old wine skins? What do the "new" and "old" represent in the story?
Definition
The "new" represents Jesus and the "old" represents the law. The moral is that we cannot understand Jesus's new teachings using the old categories of law. They simply do not mix well.
Term
What is the main objection to the disciples' plucking grain?
Definition
According to Jewish Law, they are working on the Sabbath, which is strictly forbidden.
Term
How does Jesus respond to the objection to plucking grain on the Sabbath? What example from the Old Testament does he use?
Definition
He says that the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath, and suggests that physical needs sometimes supersede Law.
He cites an example of David, in which he and his companions eat sacred bread from the Temple when they were hungry.
Term
What is the main objection to Jesus's healing the man with the withered hand?
Definition
That Jesus is healing (doing work) on the Sabbath, strictly forbidden by Jewish Law
Term
When Jesus heals the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath, how do his opponents respond?
Definition
They are filled with fury (as opposed to the crowd, which is filled with marvel and amazement)
Term
On the Sermon on the Plain, what are the four blessing/woe pairs Jesus mentions?
Definition
poor - rich
hungry - full
weeping - laughing
people hate, exclude, revile, defame - people speak well of you
Term
What specific examples does Jesus give for loving one's enemies?
Definition
Turn the other cheek (if he strikes your cheek)
Give your shirt (if he takes your coat)
Term
What is the context Jesus assumes when giving instructions on how to love one's enemies?
Definition
The context is one of persecution of new Christians - of being hated for his sake, for following him
Term
What is the guiding principle for the ethic of loving one's enemies?
Definition
To act like your Father, being his children
Term
How would Jesus's words on loving one's enemies have compared with the expectations of his audience?
Definition
They would have differed greatly. His audience was expecting a militant Messiah, who would use violent rebellion to overthrow all oppressors. Instead, they get a Messiah who tells people to actually LOVE their enemies.
Term
What is the difference between Pacifism and Passivism?
Definition
Pacifism is active resistance
Passivism is being a doormat
Term
Jesus talks about the beam and speck to encourage people to not _____ but rather _____.
Definition
Jesus talks about the beam and speck to encourage people to not *fix others* but rather *fix themselves first*.
Term
What principle does the tree and its fruit communicate?
Definition
That the focus is not on producing the right "fruit" (or appearances/actions), but on being the right kind of "tree" (having your heart in the right place). The heart determines actions.
Term
How does Jesus illustrate those who hear his words and do them? (What are they like?)
Definition
Those who hear his words and do them are like a wise man who built his house on a rock.
Those who hear his words and DON'T do them are like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Knowledge without action is like a house without a foundation.
Term
How does the Centurion go about asking Jesus for help?
Definition
He sends a Jewish messenger ahead of him instead of asking him in person.
Term
What is a patron/client relationship?
Definition
? A relationship in which someone of higher standing (the patron) benefits someone of lower standing (the client). The indebted client, in turn, offers kindness and service to the patron. In this case, the Centurion built the Jewish synagogue, winning him acclaim from the Jewish community.
Term
What two elements make the healing of the Centurion's servant different from those earlier?
Definition
(1) Jesus is helping a non-Jew (the Centurion)
(2) Jesus heals at a distance
Term
What motivates Jesus to raise the widow's son from the dead?
Definition
He feels compassion for the widow.
Having no husband or son would have put the widow in serious economic (and of course emotional) crisis.
Term
How do the people respond after Jesus's raising of the widow's son? What do they think of Jesus?
Definition
Fear seized them, they glorify God, and they now see Jesus as a great prophet.
Term
What Old Testament figures performed miracles similar to the raising of the widow's son?
Definition
Elijah and Elisha
Term
Why does John the Baptist ask if Jesus is really the messiah? What model of messiah does John have?
Definition
John is expecting a militant messiah, a "winnowing fork" messiah who will judge the world harshly. Jesus, however, is proving to be far more loving and peaceful than he (or anyone) expected
Term
Who does Jesus say John is?
Definition
John is the returning Elijah figure, the prophet spoken of in Malachi 3:1
Term
Why does the sinful woman who cleans Jesus's feet with her tears seek Jesus out? (What has she recognized about Jesus?)
Definition
The woman has recognized the forgiveness that Jesus brings. She seeks him to express her gratitude towards him.
Term
What story does Jesus tell after the sinful woman washes his feet with her tears, and what is the point of the story?
Definition
He tells them a parable of two debtors. His point is that the higher someone's debt, the greater her love for the one who forgives it.
Term
To what theme in Luke's context does the parable of the sower contribute?
Definition
The theme of those who see and those who don't.
Term
What is the function of parables?
Definition
They are designed to tease one into thought beyond the superficial meaning.
Term
What does each of the elements represent in the parable of the sower?
Definition
seed - word of God
path - those who hear the word, but the devil (the bird) takes it away
rock - those who hear the word, receive it with joy, but life's testing causes them to wither
thorns - those who hear the word, but cares, riches, and pleasures (the thorns) choke them
good soil - those who hear the word, hold it fast, and bear fruit
Term
How does Jesus redefine family relationships?
Definition
He gives God first priority instead of family. He defines family as those who hear and do his word.
Term
How do the disciples respond to the storm?
Definition
They react with fear, waking Jesus up and telling him that they are perishing
Term
How does Jesus respond to the disciples when they wake him up in the storm?
Definition
He simply stops the storm, and asks the disciples, "Where is your faith?"
Term
What question do the disciples ask after Jesus calms the storm?
Definition
"Who then is this?"
Term
What is significant about the geographic location of the story of the Gerasene demoniac?
Definition
It takes place in Gentile territory
Term
What is the Abyss?
Definition
A spiritual place of temporary imprisonment, where demons are typically sent. Sort of like a temporary hell.
Term
What are the unique elements of the story of the Gerasene demoniac?
Definition
(1) The man's extraordinary strength due to possession (most possessions weakened people)
(2) Demon has a name
(3) Demon does not come out immediately when Jesus commands it, instead first seeking terms of surrender
(4) Demons exit a man and enter the swine, serving as a sign that the demons have come out
Term
How do the people respond to the healing of the Gerasene demoniac?
Definition
They respond in fear, all gathering around in shock to see. They ask Jesus to leave.
Term
What does Jesus tell the healed Gerasene demoniac to do?
Definition
He commands the man to proclaim what Jesus had done for him.
Term
Why does Jesus want to find the person who touched him? (in the story of the woman with the bleeding disorder)
Definition
Jesus wants to clarify that her healing was not done through magic but by her faith.
Term
What does Jesus ask Jairus to do when he learns that his daughter has died?
Definition
Do not fear - only believe
Term
What does Jesus tell the mourners about Jairus's daughter?
Definition
She is not dead, but asleep
Term
When Jesus sends out the Twelve, what is their task?
Definition
To proclaim the kingdom of God, by healing and casting out demons
Term
What instructions does Jesus give when he sends out the Twelve?
Definition
Take nothing and utilize local hospitality
Term
When Jesus sends out the Twelve, how are the Twelve to respond if rejected?
Definition
They are to leave, shaking the dust off their feet
Term
What rumors has Herod heard about Jesus?
Definition
That John the Baptist, Elijah, or an ancient prophet had risen from the dead.
Term
What are the four possibilities as to what makes the feeding of the 5000 significant?
Definition
(1) It parallels the Elisha cycle (2 Kings 4:42-44)
(2) It provides an image of God providing manna in the wilderness
(3) It anticipates the messianic banquet
(4) It connects with the Lord's Supper
Term
What does Peter confess?
Definition
That Jesus is the Messiah (although he may have a different idea of Messiah than Jesus has)
Term
How does Jesus redefine "Messiah"?
Definition
The Messiah must undergo great sufferings, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise on the third day.
Term
How does Jesus's statement about his death and resurrection compare with the disciples' expectations?
Definition
It is totally different. The disciples were expecting a militant Messiah to overthrow the Romans through violent rebellion. They cannot comprehend a Messiah who lets himself be killed.
Term
What possible meaning would the saying about "taking up your cross" have for the disciples before Jesus was crucified?
Definition
Since the cross was seen exclusively as an instrument of capital punishment, they may have interpreted this statement as living without attachment to "this present age."
Term
What motivation does Jesus give to support his call to radical discipleship?
Definition
Those who want to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for Jesus's sake will save it.
Also, they will see the Son of Man come in glory.
Term
What is the primary function of the transfiguration?
Definition
It is a confirmation from God of Jesus's identity.
Term
Who appears on the mountain with Jesus during his transfiguration?
Definition
Moses and Elijah
Term
What event from the Old Testament does the transfiguration recall?
Definition
God's appearance to Moses at Mt. Sinai
Term
What is the yeast/leaven of the Pharisees?
Definition
Hypocrisy
Term
What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
Definition
? A supposedly unforgivable sin, "apostasy in the face of persecution" according to my study Bible. In other words, abandoning the faith under pressure.
Term
What is parousia?
Definition
It translates to "coming" or "advent". It refers to what we know as the second coming of Jesus.
Term
What are the five failures of the disciples?
Definition
(1) They cannot cast out the spirit from the father's only son.
(2) They do not understand Jesus's prediction of his betrayal.
(3) They argue over who is the greatest.
(4) They exhibit an exclusive attitude when they see another exorcist.
(5) They want to call down fire on the Samaritans.
Term
How does Jesus counter the disciples' view of greatness?
Definition
Jesus tells them that the least on earth is the greatest in heaven. Greatness is not about power but humility, as a child's.
Term
What significant turning point occurs in Chapter 9?
Definition
Jesus sets his face to go to Jerusalem. This introduces the travel narrative (exclusive to Luke's gospel)
Term
What excuses do the three would-be followers have?
Definition
(1) "I will follow you wherever you go," but he doesn't understand the cost of what he's doing.
(2) "First let me go and bury my father."
(3) "Let me first say farewell to my family."
Term
How does Jesus respond to the excuses of the three would-be followers?
Definition
(1) Jesus realizes that the first would-be disciple doesn't understand the weight of being his disciple and essentially asks him to consider the cost. Emotions will fade; only commitment lasts.
(2) He tells the second would-be disciple, "Let the dead bury their own dead." He wants him to focus on the living, not the dead.
(3) Jesus tells the third disciple that the kingdom takes priority over everything, even family.
Term
When Jesus sends out the 70/72, what is the significance of the number?
Definition
The number represents the nations of the world (people believed there to be 70 or 72 nations in the world).
Term
What new elements are introduced in the instructions to the 70 as compared to the earlier instructions to the 12?
Definition
(1) "The harvest is plentiful"
(2) Mention of judgment
Term
According to Jesus, to whom has God revealed "these things"? (the message of the Kingdom) He mentions this after sending the 70 out.
Definition
Not to the wise, but to infants.
Term
How does one inherit eternal life?
Definition
Love God, love your neighbor
Term
What do we have to remember about Samaritans to make sense of the story of the neighborly Samaritan?
Definition
Samaritans are the enemies of the Jews.
Term
What command from the Sermon on the Plain does the story of the neighborly Samaritan illustrate?
Definition
To love one's enemies
Term
What definitions of neighbor do we find in the story of the neighborly Samaritan?
Definition

(1) Anyone in need is my neighbor

(2) Sometimes my neighbor is my enemy

 

The lawyer mentions that the neighbor is one who shows another mercy.

Term
Why does Jesus not heed Martha's request to tell Mary to help her?
Definition
Mary is justified - Mary has chosen spiritual food above physical food.
Term
What is significant about Mary's posture? (in the story of Mary and Martha)
Definition
She is at the feet of Jesus, the position of a disciple.
Term
What are the 5 elements of Jesus's sample prayer?
Definition
(1) May your name be treated as holy
(2) May your kingdom come
(3) Give us "daily" bread
(4) Forgive us
(5) Do not bring us into time of trial
Term
What are the two interpretations of Jesus's parable on prayer? (of the neighbor who won't stop knocking)
Definition
(1) The petitioner is shameless in his persistence - likewise, we must be shameless in our persistence in prayer to God
(2) The man will get up and answer the petitioner to avoid charge of shamelessness (i.e. "Have you no shame? You let your friend knock on that door all night and you didn't answer!")
Term
What cultural background helps us understand Jesus's parable of persistent prayer?
Definition
(1) A peasant's home consisted of one room, in which everyone slept.
(2) There was a cultural obligation to provide hospitality.
Term
What is the primary function of the saying "ask, seek, and knock"?
Definition
It is meant to promote boldness in approaching God. He cares about all people equally, no matter their station.
Term
What does Jesus say that the Father will give to those who ask him?
Definition
The Holy Spirit
Term
Who is Beelzebul?
Definition
It was originally the name of a Philistine god (Dr. Williams lists it as a Canaanite god), later used as a name for the devil
Term
Why do some say that Jesus is working through the power of Beelzebul?
Definition
? Exorcism was often understood to come from Beelzebul.
Term
What three responses does Jesus give to the accusation that he exorcises by the power of Beelzebul?
Definition
(1) Every divided kingdom cannot stand (why would Satan work against himself?)
(2) He points to their own exorcists, who they believe exorcise by God's power (if they exorcise by God, what makes Jesus any different?)
(3) He gives the Parable of the Strong Man, pointing out that he is stronger than Satan
Term
What should one do to prevent an unclean spirit's return?
Definition
Fill up the clean space in your soul with the kingdom of God.
Term
When a woman tells Jesus his mother is blessed, whom does Jesus instead say are blessed?
Definition
Those who do God's will
Term
What is the sign of Jonah in Luke's gospel? (as opposed to Matthew's)
Definition
It is a sign of judgment (whereas Matthew focused on the belly of the fish)
Term
What is the primary fault of which Jesus accuses this generation?
Definition
They keep asking for a sign
Term
What does Jesus say is the lamp of the body?
Definition
The eye
(a healthy eye is one that "sees" Jesus)
Term
What is the setting for Jesus's woes against the Pharisees?
Definition
He is at a meal with the Pharisees
Term
What prompts Jesus to utter these woes against the Pharisees?
Definition
The Pharisees complain that Jesus did not wash before eating
Term
What are Jesus's three woes against the Pharisees? What do these woes have in common?
Definition
(1) They tithe mint, rue, and herbs, but neglect justice and love of God (they are fanatical about the small things, but neglect the fundamental things)
(2) They love seats of honor and respectful greeting (this is their motivation, instead of God)
(3) They are like unmarked graves (green grass concealing rotting body - they practice human religion, not living faith)

All three talk about outer cleanliness but inner greed and wickedness.
Term
What are Jesus's three woes against the lawyers?
Definition
(1) They load people with burdens that are hard to bear.
(2) They build the tombs of the prophets (as in their ancestors killed the prophets and they bury them)
(3) They have taken the key of knowledge away from others (their rejection of Jesus hinders the belief of others)
Term
What three groups does Jesus address during the travel narrative?
Definition
(1) Disciples
(2) Crowds
(3) Religious Leaders
Term
Who does Jesus tell his followers to fear?
Definition
Not humans, but God, who has the power to send them to hell.
Term
Why does Jesus say, "What you said in the darkness will be proclaimed in the light"?
Definition
It could be an exhortation to those who are timid about the gospel, not to keep it secret but proclaim it.
Term
What is the Greek name for hell? Where is it?
Definition
Gehenna, which refers to the Valley of Hinnon, a place of human sacrifice that then became a burning trash dump.
Term
What are the four contemporary views of Hell?
Definition
(1) Eternal punishment
(2) Purifying fire
(3) Annihilationist (you cease to exist)
(4) Universalism (God will find a way to save everyone)
Term
Whom does Jesus say he will acknowledge before the angels of God?
Definition
Those who acknowledge him before others
Term
What are the 5 Jewish parties/sects that existed in Israel during the 1st century?
Definition
(1) Pharisees
(2) Sadducees
(3) Zealots
(4) Samaritans
(5) Essenes
Term
What are the key characteristics of the Pharisees?
Definition
They upheld two main pillars: the Torah and Oral Tradition

They were a nation of priests who strictly followed purity rules.

They believed in:
The resurrection of the body
The last judgment
Rewards and punishment in the afterlife

Pharisaism is actually very close to Christianity. Many Pharisees (such as Paul) went on to be Christians and greatly influenced the faith.
Term
What are the key characteristics of the Sadducees?
Definition
They were a party of the wealthy priests and aristocracy

They tried to maintain the status quo (they opposed change)

They believed the Temple to be the center of strength.

They accepted ONLY the written law, rejecting oral tradition. Of the written law, they only believed the Pentateuch (the first five books of the OT).

They didn't believe in resurrection. There is no afterlife - the soul dies with the body.
Term
What are the key characteristics of the Zealots?
Definition
Their ideology traced back to Judas of Galilee who led a revolt against Rome in AD 6.

They believed it a violation of Jewish law to pay taxes to Rome.

They advocated armed rebellion against Rome.

One of their branches included the Sicarii, or knife/dagger men. They were basically terrorists or assassins.
Term
What are the key characteristics of the Samaritans?
Definition
They emerged in the period after the Assyrian Exile in 721 BC.

They had their own temple on Mt. Gerizin and their own priesthood.

They preserved their own text of the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the OT). They believed that only the Pentateuch was authoritative.

The Samaritans were very similar to the Jews. Despite this, they were hostile to one another because of how they differed on a few key points.

They occupied Samaria, which lay between Galilee and Judea.
Term
What are the key characteristics of the Essenes?
Definition

They were known for their discipline and sobriety.

They believed that pleasure was a vice and control of passions a virtue.

They did not marry, and adopted instead of bearing children.

They shared their goods.

They lived in a large group.

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